Commentary | The Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting recalls the famous quote by George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This philosophy was a slight modification of statement made by Edmund Burke: “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” If we heed these words, we might look to past school shootings like the Columbine massacre.

Darrell Scott is the father of Rachel Scott, the first person to die in Columbine at the hands of the two estranged youths. Some of his thoughts have begun to become popular again through emails and Facebook. As previously reported by The Inquisitr, Rachel’s brother Scott was a survivor of the Columbine massacre. He believes that the nation’s focus should be on how schools teach character, integrity, and values, not just academic achievements.

After Columbine, there was a similar reaction, and a Congressional House subcommittee was formed to consider the question of further gun control laws. Darrell Scott gave his testimony, laying out his thoughts on the subject of gun control and how it pertained to the tragedy he had just experienced:

“In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA.

“I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA – because I don’t believe that they are responsible for my daughter’s death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel’s murder I would be their strongest opponent.

“I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of that blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves.”

This sentiment echoes another idea that is being publicized all over the media: That, since God and prayer is not officially endorsed by the government-funded public school system, a corresponding gap in teaching spiritual or moral strength may inevitably lead to human choices that cause such tragedies.

Some decry these statements as being a politicization of what should be a time of mourning. Darrell Scott had some strong words to say on that subject, although he does not say God allowed this to happen but instead puts the emphasis on human decisions:

“Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc.

“Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation’s history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact.

“What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence.

“And when something as terrible as Columbine’s tragedy occurs — politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties.

“We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

“We do not need more religion. We do not need more gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious garbage. We do not need more million dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored.

“We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgement that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God!

“As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes–He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right!

“I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999 , at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.”

Do you think that the words of this Columbine father should guide our thoughts in considering how to prevent future school shootings?

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Comments

Morality and religion are not the same. One can have strong morals without having religion. This tragedy has nothing to do with religion being or not being in school. The problem, and solution, are much more complicated.

That's a whole philosophy debate unto itself! In any case, I personally believe that there are many contributing factors to school shootings in general and it's too simplistic to focus on one issue and say that, and only that, is the cause.

The point that he is trying to make, is that we are not spiritual, whether its God, Buddha, Allah etc etc…We are not spiritual, we don't look out for each other…Good people dont need laws to do the right thing, we don't teach our kids to be morally correct, we dont help unless we benefit from it somehow. How many people have died and no one does anything. There are videos of people dying on the street, while people just walk over them. We have kids dying of hunger in this country and NO ONE cares. More laws will not help stop this…Has anyone ever hear the quote "it takes a village to raise a child"? Its all about the KIDS, they are our future and we MUST teach them whats RIGHT, not just whats LEGAL. Being legal doesnt mean its right.

For those of you saying that he's just referring to the need for spirituality no matter what it is you are wrong. He is talking about the One, True God. Don't distort this man's words. I think he's deserved the right to speak and fortunately for those listening he speaks the truth!

The man who killed those children was mentally ill. Yes it was wrong, terrible, and evil, I can even say that I think he deserves to rot in hell. But it was not because he didn't have god in his life. There are millions of mentally ill people in this world, some may or may not believe in god. Not all of them kill 20 children and 6 adults. The problem is not a lack of religion or belief in god, the problem is that the man didn't get the help or medication that a person with his illness needs. Allowing god into our classrooms will not change that.

I think some of you are missing the point here and unfortunatley nothing this man or anyone else has to say about God will change your mind. God or the Bible can't be explained to those whose heart is't open to receive. But that's ok, because for those of us who do, this earth is the only hell we will ever know and for those who don't belive the only heaven you will ever know! That's what is so great about free will and freedom of choice!

@tony: we understand the point he is trying to make. heather and patrick above are also JUST saying it's more complicated than people not having God in their lives. and for the record, there is no law against students praying in school; students have every right to pray in a public school. the law is only against government workers (teachers) facilitating prayer, i.e., making the entire class pray. if a student decides to pray before a test or before lunch, that student has every right to do so.

He is right about our nation having low moral standards. With that in mind, an alcoholic shouldnt have alcohol in there home. No matter how close to God they are. People defend guns more than guns defend them.

He has the right to speak and say whatever he wants. But he does not have the right to force his religion down anyone's throat. He's also right that this is a society sliding into a terrible moral decay. Praying surely can't hurt but raising our children as moral and upstanding human beings is OUR moral duty as parents and human beings. To say that praying in school is going to fix everything is simplistic, as simplistic as saying that banning all guns will solve the problem. I do support gun control because I think the NRA's idea to make every school an armed fortress is totally asinine. More guns is like pouring gasoline on a fire.

We are so much more knowledgeable today then ever before! Or are we? Our arrogance as a society has brought us to this moment and many like it to follow. The fingers are still being pointed and until we stop with the knee jerk reaction for every bad event that occurs we will never get to the root of the problem. Darrell Scott's comment has echoed 13 years and we still are at a pause as to why Newtown happened?

Liberals, Progressives and Atheist are so hard focused on removing GOD from schools that they have missed the big picture. They say separation of Church and State and every says "Oh their right". Well they are all wrong! We in the U.S. Constitution does it specifically say "Separation of Church and State? Absolutely nowhere. It's all lies and has come from skewing and misreading of the laws itself! Read it for yourself!

[Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.]

Nowhere in there does it state Separation of Church and State! fact, the words,"separation of church and state" are only words taken out of context from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. They exist nowhere in the laws of our nation.

I believe prayer and the moral understanding in what religion brings need to be taught in school, much like Darrell Scott. If we fail to study the past we will re-live it in the future.

We are so much more knowledgeable today then ever before! Or are we? Our arrogance as a society has brought us to this moment and many like it to follow. The fingers are still being pointed and until we stop with the knee jerk reaction for every bad event that occurs we will never get to the root of the problem. Darrell Scott's comment has echoed 13 years and we are still at a pause as to why Newtown happened?

Liberals, Progressives and Atheist are so hard focused on removing GOD from schools that they have missed the big picture. They say separation of Church and State and every one says "Oh their right". Well, they are all wrong! Where in the U.S. Constitution does it specifically say "Separation of Church and State? Absolutely nowhere. It's all lies and has come from skewing and misreading of the laws itself! Read it for yourself!

[Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.]

Nowhere in there does it state Separation of Church and State! fact, the words,"separation of church and state" are only words taken out of context from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. They exist nowhere in the laws of our nation.

I believe prayer and the moral understanding in what religion brings need to be taught in school, much like Darrell Scott. If we fail to study the past we will re-live it in the future.

@Heather- And that's where many Christians and myself would have to disagree with you. The simple solution to our problems can be found by opening and reading the Bible. Good moral values we practice today are and have been derived from religion. People themselves has made things complicated and chaotic because we have strayed away from fundamental values and teachings which Jesus has taught us to live by.

I disagree. Tell me how will banning guns stop convicts to have one and disobey the law? People kill people. Guns and other weapons don't kill people. Also, tell me how does one force their religion down people's throat if they merely mention God, etc.

Our legislators are responsible for allowing garbage into homes through networks warping the minds of able bodied individuals. They destroy what is good by first destroying the good that is in them. This country breeds violence. Ban guns. You can't ban violence fools. It is our very answer to all dilemmas. Not peace. We wish for war. We breed it. Our children die by that philosophy as well.

Another thing. Guns don't promote violence. Disturbed people experience violence in them. Guns don't aim themselves and pull their own triggers. Qualified marksman in a school will put those fools in check. Don't be stupid about what a gun is. A gun is a tool. Violence is a reality of disturbia.

This man is speaking from his heart. Let him say what he may. I personally believe in God and I think that school prayer cannot hurt. In fact I remember feeling really good in school when our principal prayed. It made me feel like she really cared for us and that she loved us so much and I wanted to be good because it seemed right. That is what I remember. I feel for my kids because the school atmosphere they are growing up in is a far cry from what I remember and it is not for the better.

I know many of the families of the Columbine tragedy including Daryl Scott. I was in the room when he called for the resignation of the sheriff John Stone. I remember the day that I exposed the truth about the motives of the shooters. He told me that he was on an evangelical mission that Rachael had begun and I honor him for that. Unfortunately, Columbine victim Mark Taylor learned the truth about the motives of the shooters. Mark had bounced back after having over 7 shots to his torso. He was a really go-getter, even appearing in Bowling for Columbine. Because of his efforts in exposing the truth, Mark was illegaly abducted and drugged by the State of Colorado. Mark was being responsible and diligent in his service to God. Where were you Daryl? Better question: Where are you when Mark and Donna need help? Same goes for the rest of the Columbine victim's families who know about Mark. Now we believe that the information that Mark was exposing would or could have possibly put a focus on the issue of children who are raped and drugged and shoot other innocent children.http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/video-posted-online-one-day-prior-to-sandy-hook-massacre-may-answer-questions-1#slide=56712291

Patrick Frye, your article has this statement: "As previously reported by The Inquisitr, Rachel’s brother Scott was a survivor of the Columbine massacre." Are you implying Rachel Scott's brother is Scott Scott?

Amen Jin. It is not complicated. It is simple. It is all about God, the God of Abraham, Issac and Joseph. It is about inviting the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. "On Earth as it is in Heaven"! This is possible, it is up to the people to turn to God for ALL things and realize that the battle (EVERY battle we face here on Earth) is a Spiritual one. The Spiritual realm is more real than the physical realm we see with our naked eyes. I declare the spirits of His children to be awakened and receptive to God's will, in the precious name of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Guess if there's a "NO GUNS ALLOWED" sign plastered on your front porch, me being the murderer and/or burglar with a gun will go "OH SHOOT! A NO GUNS ALLOWED SIGN…GUESS I'LL JUST HAVE TO GO FIND ANOTHER HOUSE."
Get real, no gun restriction laws will help anything. There's such a thing called a black market. More restrictive laws bring out more black markets. And they certainly don't give two shits about your petty gun laws.